Mako Vunipola has labelled the Autumn Nations Series as a ‘mini World Cup’ as England looks to make progress ahead of next year’s event.
Eddie Jones’ charges will take on Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa over the coming month as they hope to gain momentum ahead of France 2023.
Also in their thought process will be the fact that the Pumas and Brave Blossoms are in their pool at the Rugby World Cup, with this superb practice for the squad.
Vunipola, who helped England progress to the 2019 final where they went down to South Africa, stressed their form that year was built on the autumn on 2018.
Looking forward to the challenge
“We did this in 2018 when there was a similar situation in that we had four tough games and were in camp the whole time. It helped us in 2019 and we’re looking forward to the challenge this time,” said the experienced front-row.
“The Australia series win in the summer showed the way we want to grow as a team. We adapted from the first Test to the last.
“It’s up to us to keep building on those for the game against Argentina next Sunday and worry about what we can do as an England team to be the best in the world.”
Much has been made in the lead-up to their end-of-year Test opener about the possible absence of both Courtney Lawes and Owen Farrell due to concussion.
But loosehead prop Vunipola put a positive spin on the situation as he believes it is a perfect opportunity for other England players to show their leadership.
“There are plenty of boys here who have been in and around the camp for a long time, but Owen and Courtney are invaluable,” the Saracens man explained.
“One because they have been captains before and the experience that brings, but more than that because of the players they are. They lead through their actions.
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“But it’s an opportunity for other people to step up now. Fingers crossed they come back in next week, but it’s a tough one with concussion.”
Names on England shirts this autumn
Vunipola and England are set to have names on the back of their shirts during their Autumn Nations Series fixtures, which kicks off against Argentina next week.
Following in the footsteps of other sports such as football, the Red Rose team have opted to trial the move in an attempt to help promote the sport to all viewers.
Ellis Genge, Jack Nowell and Marcus Smith posed with their new shirts at the training camp in Jersey, where England are preparing for the four Test matches.